Collisions with Bridges
S.S. Windoc after a collision with bridge no. 20 in Port Colborne on October 2, 1938.
CNR Bridge in Port Colborne (no. 20) and the Windoc
On October 2, 1938, the Windoc was travelling up the Welland Canal when Bridge no. 20 in Port Colborne was lowered prematurely. The ship suffered considerable damage to the stack, spar and lifeboats. It was subsequently out of commission for eight days as repairs were made. The ship was retired in 1967.
S.S. Windoc after the collision, showing the remains of the smoke stack.
S.S. Windoc with damaged hollow steel rear mast.
S.S. Windoc after collision with bridge. Extensive damage can be seen at the rear of the ship.
Allanburg Bridge (no. 11) and the Windoc
In an astonishing coincidence, another accident on the Welland Canal involving a ship called Windoc and a vertical lift bridge occurred in August 2001. The bulk carrier Windoc was travelling underneath the bridge in Allanburg and was struck by the bridge's vertical lift span. The bridge had been lowered before the carrier had cleared the structure. The Windoc drifted downstream, caught fire, and grounded about 800 metres from the bridge. The vessel was heavily damaged and declared a total loss. The bridge suffered structural damage as well. The incident resulted in the closure of the canal to vessel traffic for two days. The bridge remained closed for nearly two months, reopening to vehicular traffic on November 16. An investigation found that the bridge was lowered inadvertently and the bridge operator was likely impaired at the time of the accident.
Port Robinson Bridge (no. 12) and the Steelton
Bridge no. 12 in Port Robinson was the last bridge to be built over the fourth Welland canal. It was a vertical lift bridge that was placed in commission at the opening of the navigation of the new canal in April 1931. It remained in operation until August 1974, when the freighter Steelton collided with the bridge. The bridge was destroyed and was not rebuilt. A small ferry service was organized to connect the east and west sides of the community, currently known as Bridge-It. Although the destruction of the bridge changed the nature of this small community, many have embraced the change and enjoy the tranquil nature of Port Robinson.
Port Robinson bridge after collision with the Steelton, August 27, 1974
Port Robinson bridge after collision with the Steelton, August 27, 1974
Port Robinson bridge after collision with Steelton, 1974
The freighter Steelton after it collided with the Port Robinson lift bridge, 1974. The ship suffered considerable damage and was taken to Port Colborne for repairs.